ANIML SC 3019RW - Ecology and Management of Vertebrate Pests III

Roseworthy Campus - Winter - 2018

This course strongly emphasises the field application of vertebrate pest control techniques and provides the theoretical bases for these techniques. Topics covered are the biology and ecology of vertebrate pests; the damage caused by pest animals; the legislative and administrative aspects of vertebrate pest control; district organisations; extension; vertebrate pest control practice.
Note: There is a 5 day field trip as a compulsory component of this course.

This course strongly emphasises the field application of vertebrate pest control techniques and provides the theoretical bases for these techniques. Topics covered are the biology and ecology of vertebrate pests; the damage caused by pest animals; the legislative and administrative aspects of vertebrate pest control; district organisations; extension; vertebrate pest control practice.
Note: There is a 5 day field trip as a compulsory component of this course.

Recommended Resources

The main reference book referred to in class is: Olsen, P. (1998) Australia’s Pest Animals: New Solutions to Old Problems. Bureau of Resources Sciences, Canberra. Copies of this book (and other useful books) are available in the Roseworthy Library. Copies will also be available on the field trip. Access to field trip location

Learning & Teaching Modes

A combination of lectures, short field excursions and a field camp (five days).

Workload

The information below is provided as a guide to assist students in engaging appropriately with the course requirements.

The information below is provided as a guide to assist students in engaging appropriately with the course requirements.

A student enrolled in this course will be expected to attend each scheduled day of activities (approx 8hrs per day) for the formal contact time required for the course (e.g., lectures and practicals). In addition, a student will have to undertake non-contact time (e.g., reading and revision) for the preparation of the assignment and revision for the exam.

Short Field ExcursionsIdentification of vertebrate pests and their impacts, and the management options available. In particular trips will focus on issues including rabbit, deer and southern hairy-nosed wombat impacts and management and the role of authorized officers.

Field CampCompulsory five-day field trip held at Gum Creek Station in the Flinders Ranges. Impacts of a variety of vertebrate pest species including: rabbits, goats, foxes, dogs and kangaroos on the semi arid environment in this region. Survey methods used to measure impact and the various tools available for controlling these vertebrate pest species.

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